SEILALA MAPUSUA returns to the London Irish line-up to face Saracens in the Guinness Premiership at Madejski Stadium tomorrow (1.30pm), looking to help extend the club’s unbeaten seven-match run.

The hard-running Samoan international centre, who turned 28 on Wednesday, has not played since being injured away at Leicester Tigers on December 29 and will be a big boost to the Irish side as they look to climb the table.

Despite having won five Premiership games since the turn of the year, Irish still find themselves in eighth place.

But a win tomorrow would see them start to climb the table and close the gap on their fifth-placed visitors, who are currently five points clear of them.

The North London outfit, coached by Alan Gaffney and led by scrum half Neil de Kock, have stumbled in recent weeks, losing 16-14 to Newcastle Falcons and 15-6 at home to city rivals Harlequins last weekend.

Irish lock James Hudson said: “It’s a big game against Saracens if we are to close the gap on them.

“We’re fully expecting them to be very determined because of those two results. They’ll be desperate to win, but so are we!”

The 6ft 7in Hudson, who moved from Bath in 2006, has had to sit in the shadows of skipper Bob Casey and Nick Kennedy since his arrival.

But as he proved against Worcester Warriors last weekend, he’s a considerable talent in his own right.

Hudson said: “It’s one of the reasons why I came to London Irish because I wanted to compete against the best.

“I haven’t had a massive amount of chances until now, but I was pleased to take the opportunity both when I came on against Tigers and last week at Worcester to push for my place on a more regular basis.”

Hudson epitomises the current determination and faith in their own ability that is pushing the squad to new heights under the guidance of director of rugby Brain Smith and forwards coach Toby Booth.

“We’ve actually performed very well over the last couple of months,” said Hudson.

“Our form has really picked up and there’s more belief as a team that we can progress.

“It’s really keeping us all on our toes and it’s people like me pushing those regular guys for their place that is helping.

“I think if we can keep putting the results together then apart from the top couple of clubs, there’s nothing between the rest of the sides.”

Irish are unbeaten at home since the end of October when they lost to Harlequins in the EDF Energy Cup and will be anxious to keep that run going tomorrow.

Hudson said: “It’s just so important to win as many of your 11 home games as possible.

“If you are going to make it into the top half of the table you’ve got to win your home games and the away wins will determine where you finish.”

And for Hudson it will be a chance to see one of his early second-row idols, All Black Chris Jack, right up close.

“He’s somebody I always enjoyed watching when I was growing up,” said the 27-year-old. “Hopefully I’ll get on and face him.”

Saracens, who have beaten Irish on the last three occasions, certainly missed the skills and ability of injured top-scoring fly-half Glen Jackson last week against Quins, but he is expected to return tomorrow to renew his partnership with skipper De Kock.

Irish will also face two of their former players in flanker Paul Gustard and centre Rod Penney, who has now blossomed into one of the best ball carriers in the Premiership.

He will be well supported in midfield by the up-and-coming Adam Powell, while on the right wing Sarries have one of the game’s lightning quick wingers in England Sevens star Richard Haughton.